Ellis Carver, (also known as Carv) is a narcotics detective, and later a sergeant in the television show The Wire.
He is portrayed by Seth Gilliam.
History[]
Although brighter and more perceptive than Herc, Carver starts the series with a similar mentality to his partner, showing almost identical levels of immaturity, corruption, and being just as willing to engage in Police Brutality. Due to the influences of Daniels, and more importantly, Bunny Colvin, Carver begins to change his outlook and grow into a more effective and responsible policeman.
He is instrumental in keeping Hamsterdam running in Season 3, sometimes making desperate attempts to keep Colvin's experiment going as he sees the difference it makes on the street. In Season 4 he tries to help out Randy Wagstaff, but makes the mistake of trusting Herc with the young boy in an attempt to help Herc keep his career going. Herc's mishandling of the situation makes Randy a pariah on the streets and puts him in danger of being sent back to a group home. Unfortunately, Carver cannot save Randy from the group home.
As time goes on Carver proves himself a competent commander with a strong sense of ethics. He is promoted to lieutenant in the finale, showing a strong resemblance to his early mentor, Daniels.